WOMAN'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 260, 2 November 1928, Page 8

WOMAN'S DEATH.

COLLAPSE IN NURSING HOME.

SISTER QUESTIONED.

UNWILLING TO ANSWER.

CORONER ADJOURNS INQUEST

ALLEGATION" BY POLICE

A single woman, Freda Helen Clark (29), was found in a state of collapse yesterday at the home of Nurse Georgina Ellen Colnett, at 88, Williamson Avenue, and she died before Dr. W. H. Horton's arrival.

The police were informed of the death I and the was removed to the morgue. When the matter was reported to the coroner (Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M.), a post mortem examination of the body was ordered. This has already been made. When the inquest was opened by the coroner at the Police Court this morning for the purpose of identification, Miss Clark's sister at first refused to answer certain questions. Chief Detective Hammond represented the police, while Mr. Brodie (for Mr. R. A. Singer) appeared for the relatives of deceased. The only witness called was Mrs. Doris, Daimefeard, residing at Epsom, a sister of the deceased. "You were told to be here at 9.30, and it is now 10.15," said Mr. Hunt to the witness. "Where have you been ?" "With my solicitor," replied Mrs. Dannefeard. Mr. Brodie then said that there had been some misunderstanding as to the time Mrs. Dannefaerd should have been at Court. Questioned by Chief Detective Hammond, Mrs. Dannefeard said that her sister had been employed as a clerk in the office of the Te Aroha Borough Council. "When did you last see her alive?" — "I refuse to answer." Mr. Hunt: Where did- your sister live? I refuse to answer. Mr. Hunt: These questions cannot incriminate you in any way. You must answer them* Witness then stated that her sister lived with Mrs. Ready, Jackson Street, Tβ Aroha. She last saw her alive on Monday, October 29, at 88, Williamson Aveftae. Mr. Brodie: This is carrying it too far, sir. Only evidence of identification is necessary at present. I would suggest that your Worship should adjourn. Mr. Hunt: I'll do nothing of the kind. Excuse me; I 'am the best .judge of what is. necessary. I will look after the witness to see that she does not incriminate herself. Further questioned, witness said that 88, Williamson Avenue, was the house of Mrs. Colnett. Mft Hunt: Were you there when your sister died?— No. The coroner then adjourned the inquest sine die. "It is hard to get any particulars at all. Everybody appears to have been bound and gagged," said Chief Detective Hammond.